With sails set on the weather side so that they slow the ship, a situation usually caused by inattentive helmsmanship. On occasion a sail is set aback on purpose to manoeuvre the ship. Ashore, the term "taken aback" means surprised by a sudden change of circumstances.

See Also:

three sheets to the wind, taken aback

Term:

abaft (adv)

Definition:

Toward the stern, as in: “In a yawl rig, the mizzen is stepped abaft the sternpost.”

Term:

abandon ship (v)

Definition:

To leave the ship in the face of disaster, as in: “The captain has ordered us to abandon ship.”

To the side of a ship, or in a direction 90 degrees off the bow or stern, as in: “When the light lies abeam, we will alter course to 220 degrees.”

Term:

able seaman (n)

Definition:

An experienced deckhand competent to perform routine duties on board ship. (In merchant service a specific job category and description of a man’s position on board, his rank or job classification, payroll level, union or merchant certificate, as in: “We need one more able seaman to complete the crew roster.”)

Term:

able-bodied seaman (n)

Definition:

Able seaman.

Term:

aboard (adv)

Definition:

1) On or in a vessel, as in: “He stowed his gear aboard.” 2) Alongside or near a vessel, as in: “She sailed close aboard.”

Term:

about (adv)

Definition:

In a new direction, turned across the eye of the wind; as in: “Ready to come about. Hard alee!”

See Also:

come about

Term:

above board (adj)

Definition:

Without trickery or deceit, from the days when a pirate ship would approach its prey with most of the crew hiding below, giving the impression of a casual meeting at sea.